Understanding All Types of Building Permits

Posted on July 29, 2024July 28, 2024 by Jason Somers

Whether you’re adding more space to an office building or constructing a home from scratch, you must obtain building permits that allow you to complete this project without encountering roadblocks from the city. Your local building department has control over these permits, which means that you’ll need to submit an application before you can receive a permit.

Along with a standard building permit, you may also be tasked with obtaining everything from electrical permits to conditional use ones. The purpose of a construction permit is to make sure that your building plans and project details follow local codes and zoning regulations. With these building permits in hand, you can be confident that your structure will be safe for future occupants.

Before you can legally start your project, all necessary permits will need to be approved. If you forget to apply for an electrical or plumbing permit, the city could ask you to tear your work down. The following article delves into the many types of building permits and explains the role that permit expediting has in the approval process.

Types of Building Permits

There are numerous types of building permits you may need to apply for, which include everything from general building permits to mechanical ones.

General Building Permits

General building permits are more common than the other types. They’re also essential for nearly all construction projects. When you request a general building permit, gaining approval from the city means that your project meets all safety standards and local building codes

Even if you’re making a minor renovation to your home, a permit may be necessary. Building codes are often reviewed and updated every few years. The types of projects that require a general building permit include the following:

• Building a new business or home
• Constructing a large shed, garage, or barn
• Adding a fence that’s more than six feet high to an existing property
• Installing a swimming pool that holds more than 5,000 gallons in a backyard
• Demolishing a business or home
• Making an addition to a business or home
• Adding electricity or plumbing to a home
• Installing large industrial or commercial signs
• Adding a porch or deck to a home
• Finishing a basement
• Removing or adding walls to a building
• Completing a large excavation project

Electrical permits

Electrical permits are needed for any project that involves installing new electrical systems. Even if your project is small enough to be done without a building permit, you’ll need to apply for an electrical one if you expect to install new panels, wiring, or equipment. The purpose of an electrical permit is to make sure your project complies with safety standards that are set by the National Electrical Code.

Keep in mind that permit requirements can vary based on where you live. In Austin, TX, you might not require this permit if you’re completing minor electrical work on a family home that isn’t larger than three stories. Check local building codes to make sure there aren’t laws that supersede the national standards.

Plumbing Permits

A plumbing permit is often required when completing projects that remove, replace, or install plumbing fixtures. You may need to apply for this permit to make sure your project complies with national safety and sanitary standards.

Keep in mind that this permit isn’t limited to new construction projects. You’ll still need to apply for one when doing renovations and repairs. States like California require these permits when replacing a basic water heater.

Mechanical Permits

Mechanical permits may be necessary when working with heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. This type of permit allows you to ensure compliance with local energy efficiency and safety codes. While these permits are mainly designed to be used with HVAC systems, you may also need to apply for one if you’re doing any duct work or installing a walk-in cooler. Kitchen ventilation installations require a mechanical permit as well.

Specific Use Permits

Specific use permits mainly revolve around local zoning regulations. This is a type of zoning permit that allows a property to be used for a purpose that differs from how the land is typically used in the area. A specific use permit allows you to create an exception to zoning ordinances.

If you want to create a small business in an area that’s zoned specifically for residential purposes, consider applying for a specific use permit. You can also apply for this type of permit if you’re creating a church or recreational facility in an area that’s marked for businesses. Numerous factors will be considered before this type of permit is approved, which include the following:

• How the project impacts residents or businesses
• If the new activity disrupts the theme of the zone
• Details of the land use or building use

Conditional Use Permits

Conditional use permits are similar to specific use ones. In fact, some jurisdictions view them as the same thing. These permits also allow you to use a piece of land or building for something that it wasn’t zoned for.

While conditional use permits are difficult to obtain, counties may grant them in areas where rezoning isn’t feasible. Keep in mind that the requirements for conditional use permits vary from county to county. In Los Angeles County, the new use must maintain consistency with the plan for the surrounding area.

Expediting the Permitting Process

Once you decide to apply for building permits, it’s a good idea to consider ways that you can expedite this process. Permit expediting is a service that you can request from companies that specialize in helping developers and owners navigate the approval process. If you choose to hire a permit expeditor, they’ll review your plans, make sure you’ve included all the required documentation, and speak with the building department on your behalf.

Without permit expediting services, the application approval process can take months. Larger projects may take more than a year to be approved. One reason why this process typically takes a long time is because of errors in the application. If the building department needs to make numerous requests for additional documentation, the approval timeline can be delayed considerably. Permit expeditors know how to get through this process without any notable delays.

Steps Involved in Obtaining Building Permits

To obtain building permits for your project, you’ll need to review local zoning regulations, apply, and wait for your permit to be issued.

Pre-Application Phase

Before you apply for a building permit, make sure you research the requirements in your county. You should be able to find information about permit application requirements on your building department’s website.

It’s also a good idea to learn more about local zoning regulations and building codes. This information will help you create building plans and site drawings that adhere to local codes. During this process, define the scope and budget of your project. You can also meet with the building department to have some preliminary discussions about your plans.

Application Phase

Before you send in your permit application, review your documentation to make sure you have all the site plans and forms that are required for your project. The application will include sections where you can request mechanical, electrical, and plumbing permits. You must also provide comprehensive building plans, lot dimensions, easements, and irrigation details. Depending on the county you live in, you may be able to apply online or in person.

Review Phase

Once you apply, the plan review process can take anywhere from a few weeks to 12 months. The specific timeline of this phase depends on the size of your project and the type of building you’re constructing. The building department might request more information from you. Make sure you respond promptly to avoid delays.

Approval delays are common during this phase. Along with requests, the review process can be put on hold if the building department needs to process many applications in a short period. If you forget to submit a document or include incorrect information, the building department may ask for corrections.

Approval and Inspection Phase

Now that your permit application has been approved, you have permission to start working on your project. Make sure you pay the permit fee to receive this document immediately after it’s approved. It’s also important to schedule inspections during the construction process. The city needs to know that your construction crew is following the parameters in the approved building plans.

When you receive your permit, your local code official should also inform you of the number of inspections that will need to be scheduled during your project. It’s up to the contractor to ensure inspections go smoothly. If you pass the final inspection, you’ll receive approval from a city official.

Conclusion

From electrical to conditional use, there are many types of building permits that may be required for your construction project. These permits ensure your project meets all local and national safety guidelines. If you don’t have these permits before work begins, the city could eventually ask you to demolish everything you’ve done.

To secure a smooth construction process, it’s recommended that you request permit expediting services for your project. These services can help you avoid mistakes and delays during the application process.